Les Illuminations, Op. 18 - IV. Royauté (声乐套曲《彩画集》，Op. 18 - 第四首 王权)

On a beautiful morning, in a country inhabited by a mild and gentle people, a man and woman of proud presence stood in the public square and cried aloud: 'My friends, it is my wish that she should be queen!' 'I would like to be queen!' She laughed and trembled. To his friends he spoke of a revelation, of a test concluded. Swooningly they leaned one against the other.

And they were indeed kings during one whole morning, whilst the crimson hangings were displayed on the houses, and during the whole afternoon, while they advanced towards the palm gardens.